Supporting Your Futures Week 2024
28 October - 3 November 2024
Recognising the impact of children and young people we care for in the city
Personal advisors and social workers have organised a series of events that recognise and celebrate the achievements of care-experienced young people.
From arts and crafts to football matches, these opportunities create a sense of belonging in their community and help foster new lifelong friendships.
The week ends with a celebration event at the top of Spinnaker Tower with food and entertainment, thanks to our wonderful sponsors.
Meet our incredible staff
It takes a team to support Portsmouth's care-experienced young people. That's why, we're showcasing some of our incredible staff who have helped organise this very special week.
Mike, personal advisor
I was a security guard at a local hospital and a friend recommended me applying for a support worker vacancy. I became a support worker on a ward in a hospital and then moved over to a community-based role.
I was working in the mental health team within another organisation for 12 years, supporting young people from the ages of 14-year-old. I then moved into a fostering agency where I worked as a therapeutic worker, with care-experienced children who had suffered trauma. This experience encouraged me to work with young people as a personal advisor at PCC.
For me, it encourages young people to be part of our service and seek support. I feel it is challenging for young people to find support and become independent as they are supported with many professionals over time but reach an age when the number of professionals reduces. Supporting Your Futures Week reminds young people that support still exists through their personal advisor, as we can help with that transition and journey towards independence.
I will be joining our young people at Goals Portsmouth as part of the 5-a-side game. I have been encouraging young people to attend these events during the week as it encourages individuals to have fun and make friends. I want young people to know that even if you have had a difficult start in life, you can still go on and thrive and achieve.
Samantha, team leader
I have always had a passion for supporting underserved communities. I have lived experience linked to my own personal circumstances. After university, I started a community development role as I wanted to support others to achieve their potential. I continued to work across various departments within local government for over 15 years. I have supported individuals who have experienced different traumas and those who are at risk of entering the criminal justice system. I felt my experiences would bring a different perspective to the role, enabling me to support my community.
It's important to celebrate the achievements of care-experienced people and recognise the challenges they have faced and continue to face. While young people may experience a range of disadvantages, many go on to achieve great things. It's also a chance for our team of personal advisors to share and celebrate positive milestones with them and showcase this to the local community and organisations.
We have organised activities and events, including a football tournament which encourages friendship (and a bit of healthy competition) and a celebration event at the Spinnaker Tower which was a great success last year. This week is a chance for young people to be themselves in a supportive environment.
Meet our young people
Supporting your futures week is designed to celebrate the achievements of our young people and amplify their voices. Meet Louis and Olivia who have shared what its like to be part of this week and their experience living in Portsmouth.
Meet Louis
It means I can see other young people who are in a similar position to me and be able to talk with them. It's also a chance to become friends too.
It is very important for us to be heard as it may cause problems if we don’t get the support we need. We can get frustrated - so we need to be listened to.
Meet Olivia
I was going to be homeless but managed to secure housing this year.
I hope to gain new friends and feel more confident when talking to people
It’s very important to have a safe space where you feel comfortable otherwise if we don’t have that then it can make situations a lot worse.
Feel inspired?
Come and work in the team
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Experienced social worker (Building your futures)
Full time, permanent (Part-time hours considered)£41,510 to £45,718 per annum plus £3,000 per annum Market Supplement (reviewed regularly)Closing date: 29/12/2024 -
Social worker and experienced social worker - Family Support and Safeguarding teams
Full time, permanent (Part-time hours considered)Social worker £37,937 to £41,510 per annum // Experienced social worker £41,510 to £45,718 per annum Market Supplement: A £3,000 per annum market supplement will be paid monthly over a 12-month period and will be pro-rata for part-time staffClosing date: 31/12/2024 -
Foster carers
Full or part timeCompetitive allowances, skills fees and tax benefitsClosing date: 31/03/2025 -
Experienced social worker (Fostering)
Permanent, full time (Part time hours considered)£41,510 to £45,718 per annumClosing date: 05/01/2025
Supporting BECOME and the national campaign: #CareLeaversWeek2024
Almost 200 care-experienced people voted for the theme for 2024, which will be: 'All of Us, We are One.'
“I picked “All of Us, We are One” as when I am with other care leavers I really do feel the most understood. I really do feel like we are one.” – Care-experienced individual
The theme highlights the value of creating connections. Join us this year in helping to build a stronger community with care-experienced young people.